i4 Automation Podcast Sun, 22 Mar 2026 05:16:43 -0400 en-us © 2026 i4 Automation Podcast yes 21e00129-0833-5d4d-a8d5-2961240bc1f3 i4 Automation episodic false  A podcast from Andrew & Tom of i4 Automation about the automation industry and updates about the latest tools and equipment they offer from Unitronics and other manufacturers. Including some little bits of knowledge and queries answered along the way. Everything you need to know about factory automation. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Factory Automation, PLC, Automation, Electrical Engineering, Unitronics, VFD, Engineering i4 Automation https://storage.buzzsprout.com/0ghqm62ij6gqspdw3njkwttun4mn?.jpg i4 Automation Podcast Custom Screens, Custom Hardware and Custom Software YOUR dedicated controller (Podcast 15) Custom Screens, Custom Hardware and Custom Software YOUR dedicated controller (Podcast 15) Tired of restrictive PLC graphics? See how Unistream's colour density and layering capabilities blew away a customer using Raspberry Pis. Get custom, 'sexy' graphics for your application.
See how one customer brilliantly matched their physical buttons and lamps to their website's colour scheme. The HMI editor allows for incredible customisation, including changing button colours, curving elements, and adding borders—making virtually anything on a webpage possible in your physical interface.
Upload custom logos to an SD card for dynamic PLC branding. Change branding without altering the core program, offering flexibility for different customers
Unlock remote access to HMI screens directly from your PLC. Configure it as a VNC server for seamless connectivity across your site, even for remote monitoring at exhibitions
Unlock real-time production insights from your shop floor. A web server displays critical data from PLCs, offering a SCADA-like overview without disrupting workflows. See line status (red/green) and throughput at a glance

]]> Tired of restrictive PLC graphics? See how Unistream's colour density and layering capabilities blew away a customer using Raspberry Pis. Get custom, 'sexy' graphics for your application.
See how one customer brilliantly matched their physical buttons and lamps to their website's colour scheme. The HMI editor allows for incredible customisation, including changing button colours, curving elements, and adding borders—making virtually anything on a webpage possible in your physical interface.
Upload custom logos to an SD card for dynamic PLC branding. Change branding without altering the core program, offering flexibility for different customers
Unlock remote access to HMI screens directly from your PLC. Configure it as a VNC server for seamless connectivity across your site, even for remote monitoring at exhibitions
Unlock real-time production insights from your shop floor. A web server displays critical data from PLCs, offering a SCADA-like overview without disrupting workflows. See line status (red/green) and throughput at a glance

]]> i4 Automation Buzzsprout-18830044 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000 1102 1 15 full false Programmers and getting started in PLC automation and control programming (Podcast 14) Programmers and getting started in PLC automation and control programming (Podcast 14) Flowcharts and PLC programming go hand-in-hand — especially in industrial automation projects like the onessupplied by i4 Automation.

Why Use Flowcharts in PLC Programming?
A flowchart is a visual representation of the control logic before you write code.
For PLC projects, flowcharts help you:
 • Clarify the machine's sequence of operation
 • Reduce commissioning time
 • Avoid logic conflicts
 • Communicate clearly with customers and electricians
 • Simplify documentation for CE/UKCA compliance
They’re especially useful for:
 • Sequential machines
 • Multi-stage processes
 • Fault handling logic
 • Alarm management
 Flowcharts vs PLC Programming Languages
 Most PLCs (including platforms like Unitronics) are based on IEC 61131-3 languages:
  • Ladder Logic (LD) – Electrical-style logic
  • Function Block Diagram (FBD) – Block-based logic
  • Structured Text (ST) – High-level text programming
  • Sequential Function Chart (SFC) – Flowchart-style sequencing
 👉 Flowcharts most closely resemble Sequential Function Charts (SFC).
 
 Example: Simple Machine Start Sequence
 Flowchart Logic
  1. Start button pressed
  2. Check the safety circuit OK
  3. Start motor
  4. Wait 5 seconds
  5. Enable conveyor
  6. Monitor fault condition
  7. Stop if fault
 
 How That Becomes PLC Logic In Ladder Logic:
  • Start latch
  • Safety interlock contacts
  • Timer block (TON)
  • Output coils
  • Fault reset rung
 
 When to Use Flowcharts (Best Practice)
 Flowcharts are most valuable when:
 ✔ Designing new machinery
 ✔ Upgrading legacy relay systems
 ✔ Working with OEM clients
 ✔ Training junior engineers
 ✔ Documenting process sequences
 For smaller logic (simple pump control, level switching, etc.), they’re often unnecessary.
 Practical Workflow (Professional Method)
 Here’s a structured approach many experienced automation engineers use:
  1. Define I/O list
  2. Write a sequence of operations
  3. Draw a  flowchart
  4. Convert to SFC or Ladder
  5. Simulate
  6. Commission on site
  7. Add fault handling refinement
 
 Key Takeaway
 Flowcharts are not programming — they are thinking tools.
 The better the flowchart:
  • The cleaner the PLC code
  • The faster the commissioning
  • The fewer the late-night callouts

]]> Flowcharts and PLC programming go hand-in-hand — especially in industrial automation projects like the onessupplied by i4 Automation.

Why Use Flowcharts in PLC Programming?
A flowchart is a visual representation of the control logic before you write code.
For PLC projects, flowcharts help you:
 • Clarify the machine's sequence of operation
 • Reduce commissioning time
 • Avoid logic conflicts
 • Communicate clearly with customers and electricians
 • Simplify documentation for CE/UKCA compliance
They’re especially useful for:
 • Sequential machines
 • Multi-stage processes
 • Fault handling logic
 • Alarm management
 Flowcharts vs PLC Programming Languages
 Most PLCs (including platforms like Unitronics) are based on IEC 61131-3 languages:
  • Ladder Logic (LD) – Electrical-style logic
  • Function Block Diagram (FBD) – Block-based logic
  • Structured Text (ST) – High-level text programming
  • Sequential Function Chart (SFC) – Flowchart-style sequencing
 👉 Flowcharts most closely resemble Sequential Function Charts (SFC).
 
 Example: Simple Machine Start Sequence
 Flowchart Logic
  1. Start button pressed
  2. Check the safety circuit OK
  3. Start motor
  4. Wait 5 seconds
  5. Enable conveyor
  6. Monitor fault condition
  7. Stop if fault
 
 How That Becomes PLC Logic In Ladder Logic:
  • Start latch
  • Safety interlock contacts
  • Timer block (TON)
  • Output coils
  • Fault reset rung
 
 When to Use Flowcharts (Best Practice)
 Flowcharts are most valuable when:
 ✔ Designing new machinery
 ✔ Upgrading legacy relay systems
 ✔ Working with OEM clients
 ✔ Training junior engineers
 ✔ Documenting process sequences
 For smaller logic (simple pump control, level switching, etc.), they’re often unnecessary.
 Practical Workflow (Professional Method)
 Here’s a structured approach many experienced automation engineers use:
  1. Define I/O list
  2. Write a sequence of operations
  3. Draw a  flowchart
  4. Convert to SFC or Ladder
  5. Simulate
  6. Commission on site
  7. Add fault handling refinement
 
 Key Takeaway
 Flowcharts are not programming — they are thinking tools.
 The better the flowchart:
  • The cleaner the PLC code
  • The faster the commissioning
  • The fewer the late-night callouts

]]> i4 Automation Buzzsprout-18781022 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000 899 full false 8 ways to expand UniStream Control (Podcast 13) 8 ways to expand UniStream Control (Podcast 13) Lots of options to add Inputs and Outputs (I-O) to your controller, either on the screen, DIN rail mounted, or a combination, plus distributed I-O on networks. We list a few below.
1 Unistream modular I-O
2 Unistream Built-in I-O
3 Unistream Din Rail Mounted I-O 
4 Unistream DIN rail-mounted expansion (powered non powered and Long)
5 EtherCat Slice I-O
6 Modbus Slice I-O
7 Modbus Using Vision I-O
8 Ethernet IP Slice I-O

]]> Lots of options to add Inputs and Outputs (I-O) to your controller, either on the screen, DIN rail mounted, or a combination, plus distributed I-O on networks. We list a few below.
1 Unistream modular I-O
2 Unistream Built-in I-O
3 Unistream Din Rail Mounted I-O 
4 Unistream DIN rail-mounted expansion (powered non powered and Long)
5 EtherCat Slice I-O
6 Modbus Slice I-O
7 Modbus Using Vision I-O
8 Ethernet IP Slice I-O

]]> i4 Automation Buzzsprout-18740185 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000 811 1 13 full false 5 ways to expand your Vision controller and the pros and cons (Podcast 12) 5 ways to expand your Vision controller and the pros and cons (Podcast 12) Unitronics is known for its all-in-one PLC but how do you add more inputs and outputs? What are the options?
In this short video we show you 6 ways to expand your IO.
1.  CANbus, using Unitronics own brand IO modules and slice IO
2.  Ethernet using slice IO
3.  Standard expansion using the expansion port
4. Snap-in module fitted to the rear
but what are the restrictions.....

### 🛠 Quick Tips

Mix methods: You can combine local SNAP in and DIN rail, IO solutions with remote (CANbus), and Ethernet IO system — but total IO must fit the controller’s addressing limits. 
Consider UniStream Slice IO remote modules for very high IO counts or long distances over Ethernet. and/or CANbus
Always check cable specs and termination on CAN networks — UNI-CAN expects defined terminations for long runs.

]]> Unitronics is known for its all-in-one PLC but how do you add more inputs and outputs? What are the options?
In this short video we show you 6 ways to expand your IO.
1.  CANbus, using Unitronics own brand IO modules and slice IO
2.  Ethernet using slice IO
3.  Standard expansion using the expansion port
4. Snap-in module fitted to the rear
but what are the restrictions.....

### 🛠 Quick Tips

Mix methods: You can combine local SNAP in and DIN rail, IO solutions with remote (CANbus), and Ethernet IO system — but total IO must fit the controller’s addressing limits. 
Consider UniStream Slice IO remote modules for very high IO counts or long distances over Ethernet. and/or CANbus
Always check cable specs and termination on CAN networks — UNI-CAN expects defined terminations for long runs.

]]> i4 Automation Buzzsprout-18699730 Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000 791 1 12 full false How to Specify a Unitronics Servo Drive – We’ll Guide You Step by Step (Podcast 11) How to Specify a Unitronics Servo Drive – We’ll Guide You Step by Step (Podcast 11) How to Specify a Unitronics Servo Drive – We’ll Guide You Step by Step

Choosing the right servo system doesn’t need to be complicated. At i4 Automation, we’ll talk you through the process to make sure you get the right solution first time.

Here’s what we’ll help you define:
🔹 Encoder
Absolute encoder 
🔹 Motor Selection
With or without mechanical brake
Low or medium inertia motor
Required torque calculation
Do you need a braking resistor? Energy dissipation considerations
🔹 Servo Controller Communication
CANopen
EtherCAT + STO (Safe Torque Off) function
🔹 Installation Considerations
Cable length between motor and controller
Cable type: highly flexible robot cable or standard cable

Getting these details right ensures performance, reliability, and long-term efficiency.

]]> How to Specify a Unitronics Servo Drive – We’ll Guide You Step by Step

Choosing the right servo system doesn’t need to be complicated. At i4 Automation, we’ll talk you through the process to make sure you get the right solution first time.

Here’s what we’ll help you define:
🔹 Encoder
Absolute encoder 
🔹 Motor Selection
With or without mechanical brake
Low or medium inertia motor
Required torque calculation
Do you need a braking resistor? Energy dissipation considerations
🔹 Servo Controller Communication
CANopen
EtherCAT + STO (Safe Torque Off) function
🔹 Installation Considerations
Cable length between motor and controller
Cable type: highly flexible robot cable or standard cable

Getting these details right ensures performance, reliability, and long-term efficiency.

]]> i4 Automation Buzzsprout-18661671 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000 879 1 11 full false How do analogue work with PLC's and controllers (Podcast 10) How do analogue work with PLC's and controllers (Podcast 10) Today we discuss the basic principles for using analogue on inputs and outputs. We cover scaling features and the difference in VisiLogic and UniLogic.

https://www.i4automation.co.uk/podcast-10

]]> Today we discuss the basic principles for using analogue on inputs and outputs. We cover scaling features and the difference in VisiLogic and UniLogic.

https://www.i4automation.co.uk/podcast-10

]]> i4 Automation Buzzsprout-18618743 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000 872 1 10 full false Meet the New Andrew :-) Your local contact for everything Unitronics Meet the New Andrew :-) Your local contact for everything Unitronics Today we have a brief chat with the new member of the team and explain our consulting way of selling you our automation

]]> Today we have a brief chat with the new member of the team and explain our consulting way of selling you our automation

]]> i4 Automation Buzzsprout-18518621 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000 238 full false Unitronics Modems and Routers Unitronics Modems and Routers Tom and Andrew discuss the modems and routers from Unitronics, including the advantages and disadvantages of each.

]]> Tom and Andrew discuss the modems and routers from Unitronics, including the advantages and disadvantages of each.

]]> i4 Automation Buzzsprout-18518581 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000 668 1 8 full false